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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 183


Page 183 of 510

Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain stable, or even increase, seven months after infection

A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2021

Emergency department visits for assault during pandemic

Rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for assault increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada. Researchers attribute the rise to increased domestic violence due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 6, 2021

Brain surgery education, training ‘radically’ advances in U.S.

Cohesive national standards in US neurosurgery education improve patient care, driven by decades of work from leading institutions. The new structure includes 'boot camp' courses and rigorous accreditation standards.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Scientists name new frog-legged beetle fossil for Sir David Attenborough

A new beetle species, Pulchritudo attenboroughi, was identified in a fossil from the Green River Formation in Colorado, with its unique beauty and preserved patterns making it an exceptional find. The beetle was named after Sir David Attenborough, who inspired its discoverers.

SourceDenver Museum of Nature & Science·JournalPapers in Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 6, 2021

A microRNA network is the putative mediator of reductive stress in the heart

A study published in Scientific Reports describes the putative molecular regulators of reductive stress — a microRNA network. The researchers identified a subset of miRNAs that appeared to be direct and dose-dependent targets of Nrf2, and thus putative regulators of reductive stress.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2021

New drug combo shows early potential for treating pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed an immunotherapy strategy that combines three drugs to boost the immune system against tumors. The new therapy showed promising results in mice, with pancreatic tumors shrinking or disappearing completely in about half of the animals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 6, 2021

World’s first transparent fiber–millimeter-wave–fiber system in 100-GHz band using low-loss optical modulator and direct photonic down-conversion

Researchers developed the first transparent fiber–millimeter-wave–fiber system in the 100-GHz band using a low-loss broadband optical modulator with direct photonic down-conversion. The system successfully demonstrated high-speed transmission of over 70 Gbit/s over a wired and wireless converged system.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateAug 6, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

To do or not to do: Cracking the code of motivation

Researchers manipulated dopamine receptors to understand benefit- and cost-based motivation, revealing complementary roles for D1R and D2R. The study sheds light on the neurobiological mechanism of decision-making and has implications for psychiatric disorders.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 6, 2021

Major Atlantic ocean current system might be approaching critical threshold

A new study suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is losing stability and may be approaching a critical threshold. The AMOC plays a crucial role in regulating Europe's temperatures and weather patterns, and its collapse could have severe global implications.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

C-Crete Technologies’ deep learning methods cast wide net for discovery of novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials

Researchers at C-Crete Technologies have developed a method that utilizes deep learning to quickly predict and design novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials, offering improved materials design for various industries. By feeding quantum mechanics calculations to layered machine learning based on artificial neural networks, they can un...

SourceC-Crete Technologies·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 5, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Battery boost found by mimicking the wonders of bamboo

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a bioinspired membrane that mimics the structure of bamboo's natural membrane, enabling faster ion transport and improved volumetric energy storage. The membrane outperformed other materials commonly used for electrodes in batteries.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Family values outweigh politics in US Latinos’ climate beliefs

A new study led by Adam Pearson and Jonathon Schuldt found that family values are a stronger predictor of climate opinions and policy support among US Latinos than political views. Familism, or cultural values representing commitment to the family, was the most important predictor, even more so than politics.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 5, 2021

Link discovered between male infertility and self-eating

Researchers from Osaka University found a link between excessive autophagy and reduced sperm production, suggesting a potential mechanism for male infertility. The study suggests that Rubicon regulates autophagic degradation of GATA4, promoting Sertoli cell function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New PIDS-IDSA guideline on bone infections in children addresses key diagnostic and treatment questions

The new guideline recommends invasive diagnostic tests but acknowledges their potential infeasibility, instead focusing on clinical improvement to transition to oral therapy. It provides thoughtfully reasoned recommendations based on current evidence to help clinicians identify and manage bone infections.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 5, 2021

Long-term monitoring shows protected areas safeguard bird populations and support federal and state mandates

A new study by Point Blue Conservation Science found that protected areas in central coastal California effectively safeguard bird populations from decline. The research analyzed population trends of 14 bird species and found that 9 had better population trends within protected areas compared to average trends outside.

SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·JournalOrnithological Applications·DateAug 5, 2021

Secrets to getting shortlisted for a job in the modern world

QUT researchers identified external recognition and professional development as crucial strategies for getting shortlisted. Applicants with earned professional recognition or awards were four times more likely to be shortlisted than those without such recognition.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournalism·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Wearable technology can help in at-home assessment of myoclonic jerks

A new study developed a wearable technology-based method to assess myoclonus symptoms in the home environment. The method, which measures electrical neuromuscular function and movement, correlates well with assessments performed by experienced physicians.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateAug 5, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Need to change careers? This AI tool can help

Researchers developed an AI-powered tool to identify and recommend jobs based on underlying skill sets, increasing the chances of success in job transitions. The system can also respond to changes in job demand and provide precise skills needed to transition to a new occupation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Battle-hardened fund managers produce higher returns during times of recession

Research by City University London's Business School reveals that fund managers who start their careers in difficult economic conditions perform better over the long-term. They exhibit better market timing and tilt their investments towards defensive industries during tough times.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateAug 5, 2021

Fitness apps keep us moving

Flinders University researchers found that more than half of Australians reported a decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown, but fitness apps were used by over half of respondents. The study highlights the importance of social support, self-efficacy, and motivation in using physical activity apps to maintain engagement.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Cytotoxic drugs can increase cancer cell resistance

Research has found that cancer cells develop resistance to platinum-based cytotoxic drugs by altering their communication with the surrounding extracellular matrix. This change allows the cancer cells to withstand the damage caused by the treatment and survive the chemotherapeutic attack.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Now how did that get up there?

Researchers discovered three phases of growth that explain how cetaceans shift their nasal passage from a parallel to an angled orientation. This finding provides insight into the developmental process and could inform our understanding of cetacean evolution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Helping India’s smallholder farmers

A University of Delaware study found that diversifying nutritional strategies is key to improving diets for India's smallholder farmers. The researchers suggest individual-level and community-level approaches, such as growing diverse crops or sharing produce at local markets.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Counting pandemic behavior to inform public health decisions

Researchers developed a new method to analyze video segments from live streams and estimate the prevalence of mask wearing. The protocol was successfully learned in under an hour and found reliable estimates of mask-compliance, with the potential to provide useful results for decision-makers within 48 hours.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 5, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The science is in: Craft beer is unique

Research using mass spectrometry proteomics identified distinct proteins in craft beers compared to mass-produced brews. The study found that single-brewery analysis revealed significant differences between beer styles, suggesting the use of unique yeast strains or brewing processes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

An action agenda for Africa’s electricity sector

The article outlines five complementary actions to increase electrification rates and secure long-term access to affordable energy in Africa. Key findings include the need for an independent champion to transform the sector, international partnerships, and investment in clean energy.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021

Food or sex? Fruit flies give insight into decision-making

A new study by University of Birmingham researchers reveals that fruit flies' brains trigger specific neuronal impulses when faced with the choice between feeding and mating. The team found that, when starved, mating is consistently overridden by hunger, but once fed, males turn their attention to courtship.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New mothers’ sleep loss linked to accelerated aging

A new study by UCLA researchers found that women who slept less than seven hours a night during the first six months after giving birth had shorter telomeres and were three to seven years older biologically. The study suggests that sleep loss can have long-lasting effects on physical health, increasing the risk of age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSleep Health·DateAug 5, 2021

Novel Alzheimer’s disease amyloid β polymorph now revealed!

Researchers have successfully characterized a new form of toxic Aβ42 fibrils in Alzheimer's disease using sensitivity-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The study paves the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting these aggregates that drive AD progression.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

No signs of brain injury post-acute COVID-19

A recent study from University of Gothenburg found that all participants achieved normalization of CNS injury biomarkers, regardless of previous disease severity or persistent neurological symptoms. This suggests that post-COVID-19 neurological sequelae are not due to active brain injury, contradicting previous findings.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 5, 2021

Researchers propose carbon debt system to combat global warming

A team of researchers proposes a carbon debt system to encourage enterprises to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The approach aims to provide immediate economic incentives for businesses to transition to negative carbon balance by treating carbon emissions as financial debt.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The future of medicine is nearer thanks to researchers’ invention

A new process for making RNA has been developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, yielding purer and more abundant RNA at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough removes the largest stumbling block on the path to next-generation RNA therapeutic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 5, 2021

Scientists reverse a key hallmark of motor neurone disease in the laboratory

Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute successfully reversed a key hallmark of motor neurone disease by blocking the activity of an enzyme called VCP. This breakthrough, published in Brain Communications, suggests that the abnormal accumulation of proteins involved in RNA regulation might be a factor contributing to the disease.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Lab-grown beating heart cells identify potential drug to prevent COVID-19-related heart damage

A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has developed a lab-grown model of heart cells that mimic the behavior of real heart cells and are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers showed that an experimental peptide drug, DX600, can prevent the virus from entering the heart cells and reduce levels of infection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Headaches are vastly undertreated among racial and socioeconomic groups

A recent review article reveals significant disparities in diagnosing and treating headaches among different racial and socioeconomic groups. The study found that African American men receive the least care for headache diseases, despite being affected at the same rate as other groups.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateAug 5, 2021

Sticky toes unlock life in the trees

Researchers found that lizards with sticky toepads prevail in the arboreal environment, accessing new resources unavailable to padless lizards. This evolutionary advantage enables them to stay in trees and rarely leave, whereas padless species often transition to ground life.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSystematic Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Corn’s genetic diversity on display in new genome study

The study assembles 26 different genetic lines of corn, providing a comprehensive understanding of the crop's genetic mechanisms. This new reference data will help scientists identify genes likely to lead to improved crop performance.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

NUS researchers link neurodegenerative disease protein to defective cholesterol metabolism

Researchers from NUS have discovered that brain cells rely on the TDP-43 protein to maintain the myelin sheath, which is crucial for neuron insulation. The study suggests that restoring cholesterol levels through drug intervention could be a novel therapeutic approach for diseases associated with TDP-43.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 5, 2021

Far out: Why political parties go to extremes

A recent study modelled social, economic, and personal factors influencing voters and parties to identify four key levers that tip the balance towards political extremes. Social contagion and macro-economic factors such as employment and economic growth play a significant role in driving polarization.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

Effective "host sanctions" make fig wasp cheating rare

Researchers found that host sanctions prevent fig wasp cheating by promoting the loss of specialized morphologies and behaviors crucial for pollination. Effective sanctions enforce cooperation in fig-wasp mutualism.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2021

Solving solar puzzle could help save Earth from planet-wide blackouts

Scientists have solved a long-standing mystery about the Sun's internal magnetic field, which could help predict space weather and prevent devastating geomagnetic storms. The new study provides a strong theoretical framework to improve understanding of the Sun's electromagnetic behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Heat-related symptoms affected one-quarter of Americans during summer of 2020

A new study found that one-quarter of Americans suffered from heat-related symptoms in 2020, with women, low-income households, and non-white populations most vulnerable. The research also revealed that the pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, making it harder for people to access cooling centers and medical care.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeSurvey·DateAug 5, 2021

Data scientists go to the mat to learn about microbial networks

Researchers at Rice University are developing novel computational approaches to track environmental microbiome dynamics over time, across species and after perturbations. The team will use biofilm-based 'species abundance networks' on scaffolds to observe how they form their own genome-exchange networks.

SourceRice University·DateAug 5, 2021

Herbal medicines demonstrate potency against bartonella, a disease-causing pathogen, according to new lab study

A new lab study finds that three herbal medicines - Chinese skullcap, Cryptolepis, and Japanese knotweed - have high activity against bartonella henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease. The findings suggest these herbs may be effective in treating tick-borne infections, including babesiosis.

SourceTellMed Strategies·JournalInfectious Microbes & Diseases·DateAug 5, 2021

How squirrels learn to leap and land without falling

Wild squirrels learn to leap and land without falling by weighing branch bendiness against distance between branches. They use trial-and-error learning to adjust their movements in split-second timing, enabling agile navigation through tree canopies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

USTC designs near-infrared-active lattice-matched morphological photoanodes

Researchers from USTC create NIR-active lattice-matched morphological photoanodes with high efficiency and wide light absorption. The new design reduces carrier-trapping defects and enhances ultrafast charge transfer, paving the way for efficient NIR-based PEC devices.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2021

When provided personalized health resources, patients often share with others

Researchers discovered that almost half of patients who received personalized information about community resources shared them with at least one other person. Individuals in poorer health were more likely to report sharing the information, and those who visited or used a resource on their list were also more likely to share it.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateAug 5, 2021

New study sheds light on the mysterious dimming of Betelgeuse

A new study published in Nature Communications sheds light on the nature of Betelgeuse's mysterious dimming, which was observed from October 2019 to March 2020. The research team found that a temperature drop of 170 K could explain the dimming, suggesting the presence of a large dark star-spot on Betelgeuse's surface.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Neural network detects protein-peptide binding sites to kick-start peptide drug discovery

Researchers have developed a neural network model called BiteNetPp to detect protein-peptide binding sites, enabling the design of peptide-based drugs. The model consistently outperforms existing methods and can analyze a single protein structure in under a second, making it suitable for large-scale studies.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021